Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun has emerged as a potential option for Chelsea as Mauricio Pochettino looks to step up his attack before the transfer window closes
Arsenal could be forced to lower their asking price by £50m to let Folarin Balogun leave the Emirates Stadium this summer while Chelsea consider the 22-year-old’s move. Mauricio Pochettino is keen to add another striker to his attacking options despite signing Nicolas Jackson earlier this summer.
Only Carney Chukwuemeka and Axel Disasi have scored for the Blues in their first two games against Liverpool and West Ham. Christopher Nkunku suffered a serious knee injury in pre-season and is set to be sidelined for a few months, leaving Chelsea with a shortage of skilled attackers.
The Blues have plenty of young talent in their roster and are now looking to add more with the signing of Balogun. Interest in Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has waned in recent days as Chelsea are still looking to sign Romelu Lukaku before the deadline.
football.london understands Monaco already had an offer to sign Balogun which was rejected by Arsenal – but are expected to return with an improved offer. The Ligue 1 club have reportedly made a £34million bid to sign a replacement for injured Breel Embolo.
Fulham are also interested in signing Balogun but so far no club have offered a transfer fee even close to the Gunners’ £50m valuation for the Hale Ender. According to The Mirror, the Blues could be forced to lower their asking price by £10m if they don’t get offers to match their current asking price.
However, if Chelsea try to land the 22-year-old, there could be a bidding war with Monaco and Arsenal would ultimately end up with a transfer fee they are happy with. Balogun may have attended Arsenal’s pre-season trip to the United States but knows his future lies elsewhere and is determined to prove himself at Premier League level.
The USMNT international is said to be open to a move to Stamford Bridge and is represented by the same agency as Romeo Lavia. The Belgian midfielder joined Pochettino’s side for £58million earlier this month after turning down interest from Liverpool.
Balogun’s current deal expires in 2025 and Mikel Arteta has made it clear he’s not in his plans this season. Kai Havertz and Eddie Nketiah have both been selected ahead of Hale End’s graduate forward this season, with Leandro Trossard also able to fill in for the number 9.
